Members Section

Health Education Programs


Health Education Programs

From group classes, to one-on-one support, to educational materials, Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) makes it easy for you to get the help and support you need.

Asthma Management

By taking advantage of this program, you can learn about how to manage your asthma and live a normal, healthy life.  You can learn more about:

  • Medications to help manage your asthma
  • Triggers that can make your asthma worse
  • Asthma Action Plans
  • When you need to see your doctor

If you are ready to learn about how to manage your asthma, please call us at 1-800-391-2000.  We are here to help.

Diabetes Management
By taking advantage of this program, you can learn what you need to know about diabetes to keep it under control and to have the energy to do the things you love.

You can learn more about:

  • Your blood sugar level and how to keep it in a healthy range
  • Healthy shopping, cooking and eating habits that are best for you
  • Simple ways to put more physical activity into your daily life
  • Caring for your feet
  • When you need to see your doctor

If you are ready to take control of your diabetes, please call us at 1-800-391-2000. We are here to help.

Nutrition & Weight Management

By taking advantage of this program, you can learn about how to eat healthy and manage your weight.  You can learn more about:

  • Shopping, cooking and eating healthy
  • Being more active without joining a gym
  • Reading food labels
  • Making healthier choices at restaurants

If you are ready to eat towards a healthier life, please call us 1-800-391-2000.  We are here to help.

Smoking Cessation

It’s tough to quit smoking by yourself.  By taking advantage of  is   program, we can give you the tools you need to help you quit. You can learn more about:

  • How to deal with smoking triggers
  • Benefits of living a smoke free life
  • Medications and other anti-smoking aids

If you are ready to quit, please call us at 1-800-391-2000.  We are  here to help.

Prenatal and Postpartum Care

Prenatal Care
Are you having a baby?
This is great news! Now that you are pregnant you will need to see your provider for regular pregnancy care, also called prenatal care. Prenatal care can help make sure that your baby is born healthy. You will see your provider about 15 times during most pregnancies. Take care of your baby. Go to all of your prenatal visits. We can help you make appointments and get to them. Call us at 1-800-391-2000 if you have any questions or need help.

Talk to your doctor about where you will have your baby. If you live in Bakersfield, you can deliver at Kern Medical Center, or Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. If you do not live in Bakersfield, you can deliver at Delano Regional Medical Center.

We will help you understand your doctor’s instructions and get you any help you may need. We will send you a prenatal packet, which includes helpful information on:

  • Nutrition 
  • Having a Healthy Pregnancy
  • WIC Program 
  • Breastfeeding

Don’t forget, if you need any help, call us at 1-800-391-2000. We are here to help.

Postpartum Care

Best wishes for your new baby!
Here’s some helpful information

  • Health Insurance: We will cover your baby’s care from the month he or she is born to the end of the next month. You must apply for Medi-Cal through the Kern County Department of Human Services to continue coverage after that. Call your caseworker at (661) 631-6000 for more details. If you are a Healthy Families Program member, your baby will be covered for 30 days. After that you must apply to enroll your baby in the Healthy Families Program. Call 1-800-880-5305 for more details.
  • A Doctor: If you have not picked a doctor for your baby, call our Member Services Department at 1-800-391-2000. We can help you pick a doctor.
  • Newborn Preventive Care Visit:  These are the first exams your baby will have after leaving the hospital.  Your baby should have a physical exam:
    Once as a newborn
    Once within 2-4 days of age
    Six visits between 1-12 months of age
    Once at 15, 18 and 24 months of age
    Once a year after their 2nd birthday
  • Immunizations or “Shots”: Immunizations protect your baby from diseases. A yellow immunization card is in the packet. Make sure to take it to every doctor’s visit. Babies need shots at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 15 months.
  • Good Nutrition: Breastfeeding is almost always the best way to feed your baby. Breast milk can help protect your baby from getting sick. Formula does not offer the same protection.

After your baby is born
You'll receive a second packet with tips for taking care of yourself and your new baby. It contains:

  • A Kern Family Health Care infant T-shirt. Please do not forget the message on the shirt, “Healthy Babies Sleep on Their Back”. To prevent SIDS your baby should always sleep on his or her back.
  • Helpful information on caring for your baby, SIDS, nutrition, immunizations and the WIC Program.
  • If your baby’s first check-up is within the first 60 days after birth, we will give you a reward. Just fill out “Baby’s First Check-up (IHA)” card and mail it back to us in the reply envelope.

If you're a new KFHC Member and you have just had a baby, call Member Services and we'll send you your Postpartum packet.

Now, let’s talk about you. You will need to see your doctor 4 weeks after your baby is born. This is called a postpartum check up. Call your provider to make this appointment today, if you haven’t already. At this visit, your provider will do an exam and will talk to you about family planning.


 

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